Figuring out what to wear to your family photo session can be hard, and I’ll often have clients show up to the studio with armfuls of outfit choices!

While there is no right or wrong answer to the question of what to wear, there are certain choices that I find look really nice in studio portraits. I’ll share them with you here today and hopefully save you some time when planning for your photoshoot.

Keep it Simple

One of the things I love about studio portraits is the minimalist style of the surroundings keeps the focus of the pictures on you, your children and your family, not on the location. The same thing can be said for your clothing choice. Keeping your outfits simple helps create images that are about you and your family, not what you’re wearing. Simple clothing choices also help create classic and timeless images. Staying away from logos and patterns can help achieve this look.

Neutral Tones

One way to keep the look of your outfits simple is by choosing neutral tones that go well together. Having similar tones in your outfits will help balance the image. I prefer grays, whites and blacks, but I also think it’s nice to have a pop of color now and then, especially around the holidays! So don’t shy away from dressing the baby in a bright red onesie or something fun like that! If you do want to add some color, just remember that the color will pull attention in the photo. Because of this, I think dressing the kids in the colorful outfits and keeping the parents in neutrals works best.

Be Yourself

At the end of the day remember that these are YOUR photos, so it really only matters what you like! If you are a family that loves bright colors and loud patterns, then by all means, wear that!! Being comfortable and looking like yourself is one of the best ways to get great photos that you’ll cherish forever!

I’m been a family photographer for almost twenty years.

Before that I was a preschool and kindergarten teacher.

I’m also a mother to twin boys.

At this point in my life I feel it’s safe to say that I “get” kids. And one thing that I know for sure is this… sometimes children, especially toddlers, don’t do what you want them to do!

Ha!

Shocking, I know!

I also know that this particular character trait can be REALLY frustrating, especially at a photoshoot! So let me tell you how I handle toddlers who do NOT want to cooperate.

I Never Force Them To Do Something They Don’t Want To Do

I have learned over the years that the best way to bring on a meltdown is to try to get a toddle to do something they don’t want to do. So if your toddlers is giving me a hard no, I will respect that.

What I’ve found is when we don’t force the issue, they usually come around.

For example, in the photos below, the mom really wanted a picture of her toddler with the new baby.

Her toddler however, was NOT interested.

So instead of forcing the issue. We just waited. Eventually he decided that he was a little curious about what we were doing. I asked him questions about himself and about the baby. Things like “can you show me where your ear is? Can you show me where the baby’s ear is?”… and eventually we get the shots!

I Try to Make The Photoshoot Fun

I always have lots of toys and things for your toddler to do at the studio. Most of the time, it takes older kids a few minutes to warm up to me, and having fun activities for them to engage with is a great way to get them loosened up and ready for pictures!

I Have LOTS of Stickers and Lollipops

Because a little bribery never hurts, I have a tons of stickers and lollipops on hand!

I Have a Sense of Humor

Like I said, I’ve worked with kids for a really long time. So if your child doesn’t cooperate or has a little melt down, please do not worry about me or what I think. I get it. I’m a mom too!

Remember, photos are meant to capture your child as they are now. There is now right and no wrong. And I’ve been doing this for a really long time… I’m confident that we will get photos you will love!

I frequently get emails and questions from clients about what to wear or how to dress their kids for their studio session with me. If you're a photographer, I'm sure you can relate! And as a parent, I totally get it. Although my boys dress themselves and have for a while now, figuring out outfits for families can be tough. 

So, we've put together a roundup of some of our favorite outfits and clothing items we've seen in the studio for 2018 so far. 

You can also find more outfit inspiration by heading over to my Pinterest page!

Simple white onesie with an adorable winter hat.

Simple neutrals, matching dresses and cute headbands. 

More matching! Three sisters in light blue dresses.

Whites and pastels are always a good idea. And bows!

Seersucker always looks so cute! And I love the pastel colors.

The sweetest light blue, seersucker overalls. Those button details!!

More colorful, patterned outfits look great on film as well! I love that these siblings went with coordinating outfits as opposed to perfectly matching.

Give me all the cute baby headbands and simple dresses!

Both of these dresses are so fun and show so much personality. Plus, outfit changes during studio sessions are totally worth it!

 

I hope you find these outfits to be good inspiration for your next studio session!

These were just a few of our favorites we've seen so far in 2018. Let the cuteness continue!